The Times
This pandemic has exposed a lot that has been a problem within the world. Especially within the United States. While Hollywood is definitely last in the importance of that list of things; it seems to be the biggest contributor to the rising case numbers. On August 14th, 2020, yet another influencer from TikTok held a large and what is now being dubbed “Corona Party.” This one, like one similar to the previous month, was a birthday party. However, the rising number of confirmed Coronavirus cases reaching over six hundred and twenty thousand in California. With LA being a hot spot, the popular TikTokers found themselves receiving animosity from people online in droves.
This has actually been a steadily growing trend among the online community when it comes to social media stars – the intolerance for apathy. In a society hurt by a global pandemic, while also trying to implement societal change; is there still room for the social media star? Like the influencer who gains success from partying, drinking, and offering no positive moral or social influence? All signs are beginning to point to no.
The Apology
Social media stars perfected the famed “Notes App Apology,” and while the technique does come under fire for being overused and often mocked. It’s purpose definitely delivers most of the time (with few notable exceptions), which is to craft an authentic and sincere sounding apology that also shows that they are “normal people.” (I place normal people in quotes, because while – yes influencers and celebrities are normal people with normal aspects in their lives, the purpose of the Notes App Apology is to come off as the everyday non-celebrity normal person.) The impression it’s supposed to give is that they’ve apologized without consulting a PR team about it, that they recognize their faults, and plan to make genuine and true change. Which to be fair, there are celebrities out there who have taken those latter strides and grown as people.
However, celebrities are finding out that a quick apology won’t work the same with today’s current climate. To put it frankly, it’s hard to understand someone for partying when their parting could inadvertently harm or kill someone. Especially, when the party-goers themselves are aware of the danger.
The End of the Influencer?
Okay to be fair, I am being dramatic with this section title. Influencers won’t disappear. However, I do think a certain brand of influencers will. We as a society are starting to shift our priorities. Some of it was happening naturally due to the “changing of the times,” but this pandemic has put a bit of a rush on it. Unfortunately – or fortunately depending on how you view it – that means content from an influencer needs to change with it. Or they can find themselves getting left behind and completely irrelevant.
But more importantly, they need to read the room. Breaking quarantine for views or to attend a party for “clout points” isn’t the same as sneaking out of your house to get in with the “cool kids.” If you accidentally run into your elder neighbor in the process they won’t be risking your escape, instead, you’ll be risking their life.
Sadly, I highly doubt that by this point, people who have been partying will stop partying. However, I do hope that their support recognizes their actions for what they are — selfish. And opts to take their support and direct it to people more deserving.